Throughput information generating apparatus of sample analyzer, sample analyzer, throughput information generating method of sample analyzer, and computer program product

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for generating throughput information of a sample analyzer is disclosed. Specifically, this apparatus generates throughput information of a sample analyzer capable of measuring a sample on a plurality of measurement items in which measurement time differs from each other. The apparatus receives an input of a plurality of measurement orders, wherein a measurement order includes a designation of at least one measurement item, generates the throughput information of the sample analyzer based on the received plurality of measurement orders; and outputs the generated throughput information.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2010-148640 filed on Jun. 30, 2010 and 2011-053457filed on Mar. 10, 2011, the entire content of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a throughput information generatingapparatus for generating throughput information indicating thethroughput of the sample analyzer for analyzing samples such as bloodand urine, a sample analyzer, a throughput information generating methodof the sample analyzer, and a computer program for causing a computer togenerate the throughput information of the sample analyzer.

2. Description of the Related Art

When introducing the sample analyzer to facilities such as hospitals andinspection centers, an user of the facility determines the model of thesample analyzer, the number of apparatuses to introduce, the operationmethod of the sample analyzer in the inspection task, or the like withreference to the throughput of the sample analyzer. Thus, the number oftests per unit time is normally disclosed in the catalogue of the sampleanalyzer as an index indicating the throughput.

In sample test, the time required for the measurement of the sample maydiffer depending on the measurement item as with the blood coagulationmeasurement. In the sample analyzer for carrying out such type of test,a configuration in which a plurality of samples divided into cuvettes isprocessed in parallel is adopted (see e.g., Japanese Laid-Open PatentPublication No. 6-109743), but the number of tests per unit time differsdepending on kind of measurement item being tested. Furthermore,frequencies of tests for each measurement items are varied for everyfacility. Therefore, a throughput of a sample analyzer indicated in acatalogue and a throughput of a sample analyzer when operated in thefacility may be different. It is thus difficult to know the accuratethroughput of a sample analyzer according to the actual usage situation.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for generatingthroughput information of a sample analyzer capable of measuring asample on a plurality of measurement items in which measurement timediffers from each other; the apparatus comprising: a controllerincluding a processor and a memory under control of the processor, thememory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry outoperations comprising: receiving an input of a plurality of measurementorders, wherein a measurement order includes a designation of at leastone measurement item; generating throughput information of the sampleanalyzer based on the received plurality of measurement orders; andoutputting the generated throughput information.

A second aspect of the present invention is a sample analyzer formeasuring a sample on a plurality of measurement items in whichmeasurement time differs from each other; the apparatus comprising: areceiving unit for receiving an input of a plurality of measurementorders, wherein a measurement order includes a designation of at leastone measurement item; a generating unit for generating throughputinformation of the sample analyzer based on the plurality of measurementorders received by the input unit; and an output unit for outputting thegenerated throughput information.

A third aspect of the present invention is a method of generatingthroughput information of a sample analyzer for measuring a sample on aplurality of measurement items in which measurement time differs fromeach other; the method comprising the steps of: receiving an input of aplurality of measurement orders, wherein a measurement order includes adesignation of at least one measurement item; generating throughputinformation of the sample analyzer based on the received plurality ofmeasurement orders; and outputting the generated throughput information.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a computer program productfor causing a computer including an input unit and an output unit togenerate throughput information of a sample analyzer for measuring asample on a plurality of measurement items in which measurement timediffers from each other; the computer program product comprising: acomputer readable medium for storing instructions enabling the computerto carry out operations comprising: receiving an input of a plurality ofmeasurement orders, wherein a measurement order includes a designationof at least one measurement item; generating throughput information ofthe sample analyzer based on the received plurality of measurementorders; and outputting the generated throughput information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a sampleanalyzer according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a measurementdevice included in the sample analyzer according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of themeasurement device;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an informationprocessing device of the sample analyzer according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a menu screen of the sample analyzer accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the measurement orderregistration process of the sample analyzer according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view showing one example of a measurement order registrationscreen of the sample analyzer of the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view showing another example of a measurement orderregistration screen of the sample analyzer of the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sample throughputestimating process of the sample analyzer according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a view showing one example of a measurement simulation screenof the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a timing chart partially showing one example of a samplemeasurement schedule according to the sample analyzer according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the measurement simulationprocess of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a view showing another example of the measurement simulationscreen of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view showing one example of the timing chart showing theusage status of each holding hole of the detection unit;

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the sample measurement schedule whenonly the measurement item PT is contained in the measurement order;

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the sample measurement schedule whenthe measurement items PT and APTT are contained in the measurementorder;

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the sample measurement schedule whenmeasuring four samples, in which the measurement items PT and APTT areinstructed, first and then measuring six samples, in which only themeasurement item PT is instructed, afterwards;

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing the sample measurement schedule whenthe measurement order of the samples of FIG. 17 is changed;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sample throughputestimating process of the sample analyzer according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a view showing one example of a measurement simulation screenof the sample analyzer according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing one example of the content of ameasurement order file;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the measurement simulationprocess of the sample analyzer according to the second embodiment; and

FIG. 23 is a view showing another example of the measurement simulationscreen of the sample analyzer according to the second embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

[Configuration of Sample Analyzer]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a sampleanalyzer 1 according to the present embodiment. A sample analyzer 1 isconfigured by a measurement device 2 for optically measuring thecomponent contained in a sample (blood), and an information processingdevice 3 for processing measurement data by the measurement device 2 toobtain an analysis result of the sample, and giving an operationinstruction to the measurement device 2.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of themeasurement device 2. The measurement device 2 is configured by ameasurement unit 10, a detection unit 40, and a transport unit 50.

The measurement unit 10 includes a first reagent table 11, a secondreagent table 12, a first container rack 13, a second container rack 14,a cuvette table 15, a warming table 16, a table cover 17, a first sampledispensing unit 21, a second sample dispensing unit 22, a first reagentdispensing unit 23, a second reagent dispensing unit 24, a third reagentdispensing unit 25, a first catcher unit 26, a second catcher unit 27, athird catcher unit 28, a cuvette transport unit 32, a diluted solutiontransport unit 33, a cuvette port 34, and discarding ports 35, 36.

The first reagent table 11, the second reagent table 12, the cuvettetable 15, and the warming table 16 are each circular tables, and areindependently rotatably driven in both directions, the clockwisedirection and the counterclockwise direction. The rotational drives ofsuch tables are carried out by a plurality of stepping motors (notshown) arranged on the back side of the lower surface, respectively.

As shown in the figure, five first container racks 13 and five secondcontainer racks 14 are removably arranged on the upper surfaces of thefirst reagent table 11 and the second reagent table 12. The firstcontainer rack 13 and the second container rack 14 are formed with aholder for holding a reagent container.

The information on the type and the holding position of each reagentheld at the first reagent table 11 and the second reagent table 12 arestored in a hard disc 304 arranged in a control unit 300 of themeasurement device 2, to be described later. Thus, when the measurementof the sample is carried out, at which holding position the reagent tobe used for the measurement of the sample is arranged can be specified.

As shown in the figure, the cuvette table 15 and the warming table 16are respectively formed with a plurality of cuvette holding holes 15 a,16 a along the circumference. When the cuvettes are set in the cuvetteholding hole 15 a, 16 a, the relevant cuvettes move the circumferenceposition in accordance with the rotation of the cuvette table 15 and thewarming table 16, respectively. The warming table 16 warms the cuvetteset in the holding hole 16 a at a predetermined temperature.

A table cover 17 is arranged to cover the upper surfaces of the firstreagent table 11, the second reagent table 12, and the cuvette table 15.Such table cover 17 can be opened when changing the reagent. The tablecover 17 includes a plurality of holes (not shown). The first sampledispensing unit 21, the second sample dispensing unit 22, the firstreagent dispensing unit 23, the second reagent dispensing unit 24, andthe third reagent dispensing unit 25 dispense the reagent through theplurality of holes.

As shown in the figure, the first sample dispensing unit 21 includes asupporting portion 21 a, an arm 21 b, and a dispensing portion 21 c. Thesupporting portion 21 a is rotatably driven by a stepping motor (notshown) arranged on the back side at the lower surface. The supportingportion 21 a supports the arm 21 b, which arm 21 b is driven in the upand down direction by the stepping motor. The dispensing portion 21 c isattached at the distal end of the arm 21 b and includes a pipette. Thesample is aspirated and discharged using such pipette.

When the supporting portion 21 a is rotatably driven, the dispensingportion 21 c moves on the circumference with the supporting portion 21 aas the center. The dispensing portion 21 c aspirates the sample at theposition immediately below at the sample aspirating position, anddischarges the sample to the cuvette at the position immediately belowat the sample discharging position. The second sample dispensing unit22, the first reagent dispensing unit 23, the second reagent dispensingunit 24, and the third reagent dispensing unit 25 have configurationssimilar to the first sample dispensing unit 21. In other words, thesecond sample dispensing unit 22 includes a supporting portion 22 a,which supporting portion 22 a is rotatably driven by a stepping motor(not shown) arranged on the back side of the lower surface. The firstreagent dispensing unit 23, the second reagent dispensing unit 24, andthe third reagent dispensing unit 25 respectively includes a supportingportion 23 a, a supporting portion 24 a, and a supporting portion 25 a,which supporting portion 23 a, supporting portion 24 a, and supportingportion 25 a are respectively rotatably driven by a plurality ofstepping motors (not shown) arranged at the back side of the lowersurface.

The first catcher unit 26 is configured by a supporting portion 26 a forsupporting an arm 26 b, the stretchable arm 26 b, and a grip portion 26c. The supporting portion 26 a is rotatably driven by a stepping motor(not shown) arranged on the back side at the lower surface. The gripportion 26 c is attached at the distal end of the arm 26 b, and can gripthe cuvette. The second catcher unit 27 has a configuration similar tothe first catcher unit 26, and is rotated by a stepping motor (notshown).

As shown in the figure, the third catcher unit 28 is configured by asupporting portion 28 a for supporting an arm 28 b, the stretchable arm28 b, and a grip portion 28 c attached to a tip end of the arm 28 b. Thesupporting portion 28 a is driven along a rail arranged in a left andright direction. The supporting portion 28 c can grip a cuvette.

The cuvette transport unit 32 and the diluted solution transport unit 33are driven in the left and right direction on the rail. The cuvettetransport unit 32 and the diluted solution transport unit 33 each has ahole for holding the cuvette and the diluted solution container,respectively.

A new cuvette is constantly supplied to a cuvette port 34. The newcuvette is set in the hole for holding the cuvette of the cuvettetransport unit 32 and the cuvette holding hole 15 a of the cuvette table15 by the first catcher unit 26 and the second catcher unit 27. Thediscarding ports 35, 36 are holes for discarding the cuvette whichanalysis is finished which is not longer necessary

The detection unit 40 includes 20 holding holes 41 for accommodating thecuvette at the upper surface, and a detecting portion (not shown) on theback side of the lower surface. When the cuvette is set in the holdinghole 41, the optical information is detected from the measurementspecimen in the cuvette by the detecting portion.

The transport unit 50 includes a transport path 51. The bottom surfaceof the transport path 51 includes a pre-analysis rack holding region onthe right side, a transport region at the middle, and a post-analysisrack holding region on the left side, and is formed to a horseshoeshape. The sample barcode reader 52 reads the barcode of the barcodelabel attached to the sample container 61 accommodated in the samplerack 60 transported through the transport region.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of themeasurement device 2.

The measurement device 2 includes a control unit 300, a reagent barcodereader 31, a sample barcode reader 52, a reagent table stepping motorunit 311, a dispensing unit stepping motor unit 312, a cuvette tablestepping motor 313, a warming table stepping motor 314, a catcher unitstepping motor unit 315, a reagent table rotary encoder unit 321, adispensing unit rotary encoder unit 322, a reagent table origin sensorunit 331, and a dispensing unit origin sensor unit 332. The control unit300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disc 304, acommunication interface 305, and an I/O interface 306.

The CPU 301 executes a computer program stored in the ROM 302 and acomputer program loaded in the RAM 303. The RAM 303 is used to read outthe computer programs recorded on the ROM 302 and the hard disc 304. TheRAM 303 is also used as a work region of the CPU 301 when executing thecomputer programs. The hard disc 304 is installed with various computerprograms to be executed by the CPU 301 such as operating system andapplication program, as well as data used in executing the computerprogram. That is, the control program for causing the CPU 301 to controleach unit of the measurement device 2 is installed in the hard disc 404.The communication interface 305 enables transmission and reception ofdata with respect to the information processing device 3.

The CPU controls 301 the sample barcode reader 52, the reagent tablestepping motor unit 311, the dispensing unit stepping motor unit 312,the reagent table rotary encoder unit 321, the dispensing unit rotaryencoder unit 322, the reagent table origin sensor unit 331, and thedispensing unit origin sensor unit 332 through the I/O interface.

The reagent table stepping motor unit 311 includes a stepping motor forrotatably driving the first reagent table 11, and a stepping motor forrotatably driving the second reagent table 12 independent from the firstreagent table 11. The dispensing unit stepping motor unit 312 includes aplurality of stepping motors for independently rotatably driving thesupporting portion 21 a of the first sample dispensing unit 21, thesupporting portion 22 a of the second sample dispensing unit 22, thesupporting portion 23 a of the first reagent dispensing unit 23, thesupporting portion 24 a of the second reagent dispensing unit 24, andthe supporting portion 25 a of the third reagent dispensing unit 25. Thecatcher unit stepping motor unit 315 includes a stepping motor forrotatably driving the supporting portion 26 a of the first catcher unit26, and a stepping motor for rotatably driving the second catcher unit27.

The reagent table rotary encoder unit 321 includes a rotary encoderarranged in the stepping motor of the first reagent table 11, and arotary encoder arranged in the stepping motor of the second reagenttable 12. The dispensing unit rotary encoder unit 322 includes aplurality of rotary encoders arranged in the respective stepping motorof the first sample dispensing unit 21, the second sample dispensingunit 22, the first reagent dispensing unit 23, the second reagentdispensing unit 24, and the third reagent dispensing unit 25. The rotaryencoder of incremental type is used herein. The rotary encoder isconfigured to output a pulse signal corresponding to a rotationdisplacement amount of the stepping motor, where the rotation amount ofthe stepping motor can be detected by counting the number of pulsesoutput from the rotary encoder.

The reagent table origin sensor unit 331 includes an origin sensor fordetecting that the respective rotation position of the stepping motor ofthe first reagent table 11 and the stepping motor of the second reagenttable 12 is at the origin position. The dispensing unit origin sensorunit 332 includes an origin sensor for detecting that the respectiverotation positions of the stepping motors of the first sample dispensingunit 21, the second sample dispensing unit 22, the first reagentdispensing unit 23, the second reagent dispensing unit 24, and the thirdreagent dispensing unit 25 are in the origin position.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the informationprocessing device 3.

The information processing device 3 includes a personal computerconfigured by a main body 400, an input unit 408, and a display unit409. The main body 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a harddisc 404, a read-out device 405, an input/output interface 406, an imageoutput interface 407, and a communication interface 410.

The CPU 401 executes a computer program stored in the ROM 402 and acomputer program loaded in the RAM 403. The RAM 403 is used to read outthe computer programs recorded on the ROM 402 and the hard disc 404. TheRAM 403 is also used as a work region of the CPU 401 when executing thecomputer programs.

The hard disc 404 is installed with various computer programs to beexecuted by the CPU 401 such as operating system and applicationprogram, as well as data used in executing the computer program. Thatis, the computer program for causing the computer to function as theinformation processing device according to the present embodiment isinstalled in the hard disc 404.

The read-out device 405 is configured by CD drive, DVD drive, and thelike, and is able to read out computer programs and data recorded on arecording medium. The input unit 408 including keyboard and mouse isconnected to the input/output interface 406, so that the user can usethe input unit 408 to input data to the information processing device 3.The image output interface 407 is connected to the display unit 409configured by CRT, liquid crystal panel, or the like, and outputs animage signal corresponding to the image data to the display unit 409.The display unit 409 displays the image based on the input image signal.The information processing device 3 enables transmission and receptionof data with respect to the measurement device 2 by the communicationinterface 410.

[Operation of Sample Analyzer]

The operation of the sample analyzer 1 according to the presentembodiment will be described below.

<Analyzing Procedure for Every Sample>

First, the procedure of analyzing the sample will be described. Theanalyzing procedure of the sample differs depending on the measurementitem (PT, APTT, etc.) of the sample. The measurement item of the sampleis specified by the measurement order. In the sample analyzer 1, themeasurement order can be registered by the user, and the measurementorder can be received from a server device (not shown). That is, whenthe user registers the measurement order, the user operates the inputunit 408 of the information processing device 3 to input the measurementorder to the sample analyzer 1. When receiving the measurement orderfrom the server device, the user registers the measurement order in theserver device in advance. In the present embodiment, the measurementorder refers to specifying one or a plurality of measurement items withrespect to the individual sample and commanding the sample analyzer 1 ofthe measurement of the specified measurement items. Therefore, onemeasurement order is input with respect to one sample, and one or aplurality of measurement items is contained in one measurement order.

The sample rack 60 accommodating a plurality of sample containers 61 isset in the pre-analysis rack holding region of the transport path 51 bythe user. The sample rack 60 is moved to the back side in thepre-analysis rack holding region, and then moved towards the left in thetransport region. In this case, the barcode label attached to the samplecontainer 61 is read by the sample barcode reader 52. The sample ID isrecorded in the barcode of the sample container 61, so that theinformation processing device 3 acquires the measurement order of therelevant sample with the read sample ID as the key. That is, themeasurement order corresponding to the sample ID is read from the harddisc 404 of the information processing device 3 when the measurementorder is registered in the sample analyzer 1 by the user, and the sampleID is transmitted from the information processing device 3 to the serverdevice, and the server device transmits the measurement ordercorresponding to the received sample ID to the information processingdevice 3 and the information processing device 3 receives themeasurement order when acquiring the measurement order from the serverdevice.

Thereafter, the sample rack 60 is positioned at a predetermined locationof the transport region. After the aspiration of the sample isterminated in the transport region, the sample rack 60 is moved towardsthe left in the transport region, and then moved to the front side inthe post-analysis rack holding region.

Primary Dispensing of Sample

The second catcher unit 27 sets the cuvette supplied to the cuvette port34 to the cuvette holding hole 15 a of the cuvette table 15. The firstsample dispensing unit 21 aspirates the sample of the sample container61 positioned at a predetermined sample aspirating position 53 of thetransport region of the transport path 51. The sample aspirated by thefirst sample dispensing unit 21 is discharged to the cuvette set in thecuvette holding hole 15 a positioned at the sample discharging position18 at the front position of the cuvette table 15. After discharging thesample, the dispensing portion 21 c of the first sample dispensing unit21 is cleaned.

Secondary Dispensing of Sample

The first catcher unit 26 sets the cuvette supplied to the cuvette port34 to the cuvette holding hole of the cuvette transport unit 32. Thesecond sample dispensing unit 22 aspirates the sample accommodated inthe cuvette at the sample aspirating position 19 or the sample of thesample container 61 positioned at a predetermined sample aspiratingposition 54 of the transport region of the transport path 51. The sampleaspirated by the second sample dispensing unit 22 is discharged to thecuvette set in the cuvette transport unit 32. The second sampledispensing unit 22 can aspirate the diluted solution set in the dilutedsolution transport unit 33. In this case, the second sample dispensingunit 22 aspirates the diluted solution at a diluted solution aspiratingposition 37 before the aspiration of the sample, and then aspirates thesample at the sample aspirating position 19 or 54.

If a measurement order including a plurality of measurement items isacquired for one sample, the sample is divided into the cuvette for thenumber of measurement items from the cuvette set in the cuvette holdinghole 15 a of the cuvette table 15 (secondary dispensing). Each cuvettecorresponds to the measurement item one by one, and the sample dividedto the cuvette is measured for the measurement item corresponding to thecuvette.

The cuvette transport unit 32 is driven on the rail towards the right ata predetermined timing when the sample is discharged (secondarydispensing) to the accommodated cuvette. Thereafter, the cuvetteaccommodating the sample set in the cuvette transport unit 32 is grippedand set in the cuvette holding hole 16 a of the warming table 16 by thefirst catcher unit 26.

When the cuvette held in the cuvette holding hole 15 a of the cuvettetable 15 is no longer necessary after the sample is aspirated, thecuvette table 15 is rotated and positioned at a place close to thesecond catcher unit 27. The second catcher unit 27 grips the cuvette,which became unnecessary, held in the cuvette holding hole 15 a, anddiscards the same to the discarding port 36.

Warming of Sample

The sample accommodated in the cuvette is time warmed according to themeasurement item in the warming table 16. For instance, the sample iswarmed for three minutes when the measurement item is PT, and the sampleis warmed for one minute when the measurement item is APTT.

After the sample is warmed, a trigger reagent is mixed to the sample.Depending on the measurement item, an intermediate reagent is dispensedto the cuvette after the sample is warmed for a predetermined time, andthe trigger reagent is dispensed after the cuvette is warmed for apredetermined time again. For instance, when the measurement item is PT,the PT reagent (trigger reagent) is dispensed to the cuvetteaccommodating the warmed sample, and thereafter, the optical measurementis carried out in the detection unit 40.

In this case, the cuvette held in the cuvette holding hole 16 a of thewarming table 16 is gripped by the third catcher unit 28, and positionedat a reagent discharging position 39 a or 39 b. The trigger reagent in apredetermined reagent container (not shown) arranged in the firstreagent table 11 or the second reagent table 12 is aspirated by thesecond reagent dispensing unit 24 or the third reagent dispensing unit25, and the trigger reagent is discharged at the reagent dischargingposition 39 a or 39 b.

A case in which the intermediate reagent is mixed to the warmed sample,and then again warmed will now be described. For instance, when themeasurement item is APTT, the APTT reagent (intermediate reagent) isdispensed to the cuvette accommodating the warmed sample, andthereafter, again warmed in the warming table 16 for two minutes.Subsequently, calcium chloride solution (trigger reagent) is dispensedinto the cuvette, and optical measurement is carried out in thedetection unit 40. Therefore, in the case of the measurement item inwhich the sample is warmed two times, the sample is warmed for apredetermined time in the warming table 16, and then the second catcherunit 27 grips the cuvette accommodating the sample set in the holdinghole 16 a and moves the same to the reagent discharging position 38. Thefirst reagent dispensing unit 23 aspirates the intermediate reagent inthe predetermined reagent container (not shown) arranged in the firstreagent table 11 or the second reagent table 12, and discharges theintermediate reagent at the reagent discharging position 38. Thus, afterthe intermediate reagent is discharged, the second catcher unit 27 stirsthe relevant cuvette, and again sets such cuvette in the cuvette holdinghole 16 a of the warming table.

The cuvette held in the cuvette holding hole 16 a of the warming table16 is gripped by the third catcher unit 28, and positioned at thereagent discharging position 39 a or 39 b. The second reagent dispensingunit 24 or the third reagent dispensing unit 25 aspirates the triggerreagent in a predetermined reagent container (not shown) arranged in thefirst reagent table 11 or the second reagent table 12 and discharges thetrigger reagent at the reagent discharging position 39 a or 39 b.

Light Measurement

After the trigger reagent is discharged in such manner, the thirdcatcher unit 28 sets the cuvette, to which the reagent is discharged, inthe holding hole 41 of the detection unit 40. The optical information isthen detected from the measurement specimen accommodated in the cuvettein the detection unit 40.

The cuvette, which optical measurement by the detection unit 40 isfinished and which is no longer necessary, is moved to immediately abovethe discarding port 35 while being gripped by the third catcher unit 28,and discarded to the discarding portion 35.

Measurement Data Analysis

The optical information detected by the detection unit 40 is transmittedto the information processing device 3. The CPU 401 of the informationprocessing device 3 processes the acquired optical information to obtainthe analysis result of the sample. The analysis result obtained in suchmanner is stored in the hard disc 404 in correspondence with the sampleinformation such as the sample ID, and output to the display unit 409.

<Throughput Estimating Operation>

The sample analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment can execute athroughput estimating operation of estimating the throughput of thesample analyzer 1. The throughput estimating operation is realized byhaving the CPU 401 of the information processing device 3 execute thesample throughput estimating process to be described below.

The sample analyzer 1 is used by a plurality of users. The user includesan operator who operates the sample analyzer 1 to inspect the sample, amanager who manages the sample analyzer 1, a service man of amanufacturing company who carries out maintenance of the sample analyzer1, and the like. Therefore, the user information is stored and the userID, the password, the authorization, and the like of each user areregistered in the hard disc 404 of the information processing device 3.When using the sample analyzer 1, the user starts up the sample analyzer1, operates the input unit 408 of the information processing device, andinputs a user ID and a password to try logging into the informationprocessing device 3. If the user login to the sample analyzer 1 issuccessful, a menu screen is displayed on the display unit 409. FIG. 5is a view showing a menu screen. The menu screen D1 includes a tool barA1 in which a plurality of buttons are lined in a row, and a work regionA2 arranged on the lower side of the tool bar A1. The display screen ofthe information processing device 3 is provided with the tool bar A1 andthe work region A2 common, where the display content of the work regionA2 differs depending on the display screen. The tool bar A1 includesbuttons for calling out functions used frequently such as a start buttonB1 for instructing the start of sample measurement and a pause button B2for pausing the sample measurement.

A plurality of icons is displayed in the work region A2 of the menuscreen D1. Such icons include icons for calling out various functions ofthe sample analyzer 1 such as the measurement order input function, theshutdown function, the setting function, and the sample throughputestimating function, where each icon can be selected through the doubleclick operation of the mouse, and the corresponding function is calledout by selecting the icon. The icon RO with a character string “order”is an icon for calling out the measurement order registration process,where the measurement order registration process to be described lateris started up by selecting the icon RO. The icon SS with a characterstring “measurement simulation” is an icon for calling out the samplethroughput estimating process, where the sample throughput estimatingprocess to be described later is started up by selecting the icon SS.The icon SS is a special icon that is displayed on the menu screen D1only when the user having authority as a service man logs in. That is,the service man needs to log into the sample analyzer 1 in order for thesample analyzer 1 to execute the throughput estimating operation.

The “icon” referred to herein refers to an image assigned with aspecific function and designed to symbolically represent such function,and include those displayed in the window.

The user registers the measurement order in the sample analyzer 1 priorto the throughput estimating operation. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showingthe procedure of the measurement order registration process. The CPU 401receives an instruction to execute the measurement order registrationprocess from the user with the menu screen D1 displayed. When the useroperates the input unit 408 to select the icon RO and instructs theexecution of the measurement order registration process to theinformation processing device 3, the CPU 401 starts the measurementorder registration process and displays a measurement order registrationscreen on the display unit 409 (step S101).

FIG. 7 is a view showing one example of the measurement orderregistration screen. In FIG. 7, a state in which the measurement orderis not input is shown. The work region A2 of the measurement orderregistration screen D2 includes a list region A21 for displaying tenmeasurement orders, which is the same number as the sample containerheld in one sample rack. In such list region A21, the order informationon the holding position, the sample number, and each measurement item inthe sample rack is displayed for every row. The order information isinformation indicating the instruction to execute the sample measurementfor the corresponding measurement item, and is displayed as a checksymbol (see FIG. 8). The measurement order input in the throughputestimating operation is a virtual measurement order, different from themeasurement order for actually commanding the analysis of the actualsample to the sample analyzer. Therefore, even if the measurement orderis input in the throughput estimating operation, the analysis by thesample analyzer is not executed based on the input measurement order.

The work region A2 of the measurement order registration screen D2includes a rack number input region for inputting a rack number of asample rack, and scroll buttons B21 and B22 for scrolling the display ofthe list region A21, a preset button B23 for inputting order informationstored in advance, a repeat input button B24 for repeatedly inputtingonce input order information, and the like. The work region A2 of themeasurement order registration screen D2 also includes a register buttonB25 for registering the input measurement order to the measurement orderdatabase arranged in the hard disc 404. The buttons B21 to B25 areselection graphical user interface objects (control) that can beselected by the click operation of the mouse, where the assignedfunction (scroll function, register function of measurement order, etc.)is executed when selected.

The user inputs the measurement order to the information processingdevice 3 in the measurement order registration screen D2. FIG. 8 is aview showing another example of the measurement order registrationscreen. FIG. 8 shows a screen example after the measurement order isinput. The user inputs the rack number to the rack number input region,and inputs the sample number and the order information to the listregion A21. The preset button B23, the repeat input button B24, and thelike can be used for the input of the measurement order. In theillustrated example, the order information is input to the measurementitem “PT-THS” for all ten samples displayed in the list region A21, andthe order information is input to the measurement item “APTT-FS” for thesamples at the holding positions 1 to 3, 6, and 7. That is, themeasurement instruction of “PT-THS” is given to the samples of theholding positions 1 to 10, and the measurement instruction of “APTT-FS”is given to the samples of the holding positions 1 to 3, 6 and 7.

The CPU 401 receives the input of the measurement order as describedabove (YES in step S102). When receiving the input of the measurementorder, the CPU 401 receives the registration instruction of themeasurement order when the user selects the register button B25 (YES instep S103). When receiving the registration instruction of themeasurement order, the CPU 401 registers the input measurement order inthe measurement order database of the hard disc 404 (step S104), andterminates the process. Furthermore, when the measurement order is notinput (NO in step S102), and when the registration instruction is notgiven although the measurement order is input (NO in step S103), the CPU401 terminates the process.

The user causes the information processing device 3 to execute thesample throughput estimating process described below when hoping to knowabout the throughput of the sample analyzer 1 with respect to themeasurement order registered in the above manner. FIG. 9 is a flowchartshowing the procedure of the sample throughput estimating process. TheCPU 401 receives the execution instruction of the sample throughputestimating process from the user with the menu screen D1 displayed. Whenthe user operates the input unit 408 and selects the icon SS to instructthe information processing device 3 to execute the sample throughputestimating process, the CPU 401 starts the sample throughput estimatingprocess and displays the measurement simulation screen on the displayunit 409 (step S201).

FIG. 10 is a view showing one example of the measurement simulationscreen. In FIG. 10, the measurement simulation screen in a state themeasurement simulation is not executed is shown. The work region A2 ofthe measurement simulation screen D3 includes a schedule table displayregion A31 for displaying the schedule of the sample measurement createdby the measurement simulation in a timing chart form. At the lower sideof the schedule table display region A31, a cuvette information displayregion A32 for displaying the usage status of the warming table 16 andthe detection unit 40 obtained by the measurement simulation, and aschedule result display region A33 for displaying throughput informationA330 including a total processing time A331 obtained by the measurementsimulation and an average number of processing tests A332 per unit timeare arranged. Nothing is displayed in the schedule table display regionA31, the cuvette information display region A32, and the schedule resultdisplay region A33 before the measurement simulation is executed.

The buttons B31 to B38, which are selection graphical user interfaceobjects, are arranged on the lower side of the cuvette informationdisplay region A32 and the schedule result display region A33 of thework region A2.

The button B31 is a button for reading an output file of binary formindicating the results of the past measurement simulation, andredisplaying the results of the measurement simulation. The button B32is a button for outputting the displayed results of the measurementsimulation as a file of binary form. The button B33 is a button foroutputting the displayed results of the measurement simulation as a fileof CSV (Comma Separated Values) form. The button B34 is a button forgenerating a set data including the output file of binary form and theoutput file of the CSV form from the displayed results of themeasurement simulation and storing the set data in the new folder.

The button B35 is a button for instructing the start of the measurementsimulation by the registered measurement order. The button B36 is abutton for randomly changing the measurement order of each sample of theregistered measurement order and instructing the start of themeasurement simulation. The button B37 is a button for initializing thedisplay of the measurement simulation screen D3 (to obtain a state inwhich the results of the measurement simulation are not displayed). Thebutton B38 is a button for closing the measurement simulation screen D3.

The CPU 401 determines whether or not the selection of the button B36 isreceived, that is, whether or not an instruction to randomly change themeasurement order of each sample of the registered measurement order andstart the measurement simulation (hereinafter referred to as “ordershuffle simulation”) is received in the measurement simulation screen D3(step S202). The CPU 401 determines whether or not the measurement orderis registered (step S203) when receiving the instruction to start theorder shuffle simulation (YES in step S202), and proceeds the process tostep S209 if the measurement order is not registered (NO in step S203).

If the measurement order is registered in step S203 (YES in step S203),the CPU 401 randomly changes the measurement order of the samples of theregistered measurement order (step S204), and executes the measurementsimulation process (step S207).

The CPU 401 determines whether or not the selection of the button B35 isreceived, that is, whether or not the instruction to start themeasurement simulation by the registered measurement order is received(step S205) when not receiving the instruction to start the ordershuffle simulation in step S202 (NO in step S202). The CPU 401determines whether or not the measurement order is registered (stepS206) when receiving the instruction to start the simulation (YES instep S205), and proceeds the process to step S209 if the measurementorder is not registered (NO in step S206). The CPU 401 proceeds theprocess to step S209 also when not receiving the instruction to startthe measurement simulation in step S205 (NO in step S205).

If the measurement order is registered in step S206 (YES in step S206),the CPU 401 executes the measurement simulation process (step S207). Ifan instruction to start the measurement simulation is given in stepS205, the measurement simulation is executed assuming the samples aremeasured in the registered order of each measurement order.

In the measurement simulation process, the sample measurement schedulethat can be executed by the actual measurement device 2 is created. FIG.11 is a timing chart partially showing one example of the samplemeasurement schedule. As shown in the figure, the sample measurementschedule is created by assigning the operation to be executed for everycontinuous turn sectionalized by a predetermined time interval (e.g.nine seconds). In the example of FIG. 11, the measurement of themeasurement items PT and APTT is instructed for each sample of thesample numbers 1 to 3. For the sample of sample number 1, the primarydispensing of the sample is scheduled in the first to fourth turns, thesecondary dispensing of the sample for the PT (dispensing of the samplefrom the cuvette held in the cuvette table 15 to the cuvette set in thecuvette transport unit 32 by the second sample dispensing unit 22) isscheduled in the second to third turns, and the secondary dispensing ofthe sample for the APTT is scheduled in the third to fourth turns. Forthe sample for the PT, the warming of the sample is scheduled in thefourth to sixth turns, the dispensing of the PT reagent to the sample isscheduled in the seventh turn, and the optical measurement is scheduledin the eighth to eleventh turns. For the sample for the APTT, thewarming of the sample is scheduled in the fifth turn, the dispensing ofthe APTT reagent to the sample is scheduled in the sixth turn, thesecond warming of the sample is scheduled in the seventh and eighthturns, the dispensing of the calcium chloride solution to the sample isscheduled in the ninth turn, and the optical measurement is scheduled inthe tenth to thirteenth turns. For the sample of sample number 2,schedule similar to the sample number 1 is scheduled to start after afew turns, and for the sample of sample number 3, schedule similar tothe sample number 1 is scheduled to start after another few turns.

Therefore, a plurality of operations is simultaneously executed inparallel in the sample analyzer 1. For instance, the warming operationfor the sample of the measurement item PT of the sample number 1, thesecondary dispensing operation for the sample of the sample number 2,the secondary dispensing operation for the sample of the sample number3, and the like are executed in parallel. In the measurement device 2,the sample operation is executed such that the same mechanism portion(e.g., first reagent dispensing unit 23) is not used in two operationsin the same turn, and also such that the entire measurement operation ofthe sample is terminated in as few number of turns as possible. In themeasurement simulation process, the sample measurement schedule same asthe actual operation of the measurement device 2 is created.

The measurement simulation process will be described in detail below.FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the measurementsimulation process. In the measurement simulation process, the CPU 401first selects the sample having the measurement order of 1 in theregistered measurement order (step S301). The hard disc 404 storesinformation of the sample measurement protocol (amount of sample,warming time of sample, type and amount of reagent, etc.) for everymeasurement item, where the CPU 401 specifies the measurement item whichmeasurement is instructed for the selected sample, and reads out theprotocol information for such measurement item from the hard disc 404(step S302). Thereafter, the CPU 401 references the schedule for thealready confirmed sample, and confirms the schedule for the selectedsample such that the same mechanism portion is not used in twooperations in the same turn and such that a turn in which none of themechanism portion is not used does not produce as much as possible (stepS303).

The CPU 401 then determines whether or not the selected sample is thesample having the last measurement order in the measurement order (stepS304). If the currently selected sample is not the sample having thelast measurement order (NO in step S304), the CPU 401 selects the sampleof the next measurement order (step S305), and returns the process tostep S302.

If the current selected sample is the sample having the last measurementorder in step S304 (YES in step S304), the CPU 401 acquires the turnnumber of the turn assigned with the secondary dispensing of the firstsample (hereinafter referred to as “initial dispensing turn number”) inthe created schedule (step S306), and acquires the turn number of theturn assigned with the secondary dispensing of the last sample(hereinafter referred to as “last dispensing turn number”)(step S307).The CPU 401 then calculates the total processing time, that is, the timefrom the start of the sample measurement until the measurement of thelast sample is completed (step S308). The total processing time isderived from equation (1).[Equation 1]timeSpanSec=(lastDispTurn−firstDispTurn+1)×turnSec  (1)

Here, timeSpanSec indicates the total processing time, lastDispTurnindicates the last number of calculates turns, firstDispTurn indicatesthe initial dispensing turn number, and turnSec indicates the time forone turn.

The CPU 401 then acquires the total number of secondary dispensing inthe created sample measurement schedule (step S309), and calculates theaverage number of processing tests per one hour (step S310). The averagenumber of tests processed per one hour is obtained by equation (2). Thenumber of tests is the number of measurement items contained in allregistered measurement orders, that is, the number of opticalmeasurements by the detection unit 40. The number of tests is alsoreferred to as number of samples divided into cuvettes by secondarydispensing.[Equation 2]throughput=dispCount/timeSpanSec×3600  (2)

There, throughput indicates the average number of processing tests perone hour, and dispCount indicates the total number of secondarydispensing in the created sample measurement schedule.

After the process of step S310 is finished, the CPU 401 returns theprocess to the callout address process of the measurement simulationprocess in the main routine.

The CPU 401 displays the result of the measurement simulation on thedisplay unit 409 (step S208). FIG. 13 is a view showing another exampleof the measurement simulation screen. In FIG. 13, the measurementsimulation screen in a state the measurement simulation is executed isshown. As shown in the figure, the timing chart of the created samplemeasurement schedule is displayed in the schedule table display regionA31 after the measurement simulation is executed. The throughputinformation A330 including the total processing time A331 and theaverage number of processing tests A332 per unit time is displayed inthe schedule result display region A33. The log of the schedule creationin the measurement simulation process is displayed at the lower side ofthe throughput information A330.

Each turn of the timing chart displayed in the schedule table displayregion A31 can be selected with the mouse, where when one turn isselected, the number of cuvettes set in the warming table 16 and thedetection unit 40 in the relevant turn is displayed in the cuvetteinformation display region A32. Furthermore, the cuvette informationdisplay region A32 includes the button B321 for displaying in detail theusage status of the warming table 16 estimated by the measurementsimulation and the button B322 for displaying in detail the usage statusof the detection unit 40 estimated by the measurement simulation.

The buttons B321 and B322 are selection graphical user interfaceobjects. When the button B321 is selected by the click operation of themouse, a dialogue screen displaying in detail the usage status of thewarming table 16 estimated by the measurement simulation is displayed.When the button B322 is selected by the click operation of the mouse, adialogue screen displaying in detail the usage status of the detectionunit 40 estimated by the measurement simulation is displayed. The usagestatuses of each cuvette holding hole 16 a of the warming table 16 andeach holding hole 41 of the detection unit 40 are displayed in a timingchart form in the usage status dialogue screen. FIG. 14 is a viewshowing one example of the timing chart showing the usage status of eachholding hole 41 of the detection unit 40. In the relevant timing chart,each usage status of each holding hole is displayed for every row, andthe turn that is not used and the turn that is used are color displayedso as to be distinguishable.

In step S209, the CPU determines whether or not the button B37 isselected, that is, whether or not the initialization of the display ofthe measurement simulation screen D3 is instructed (step S209). If theinitialization of the display of the measurement simulation screen D3 isinstructed (YES in step S209), the CPU 401 initializes the display ofthe measurement simulation screen D3 (step S210), and returns theprocess to step S202.

If the initialization of the display of the measurement simulationscreen D3 is not instructed in step S209 (NO in step S209), the CPU 401determines whether or not the button B38 is selected, that is, whetheror not the termination of the sample throughput estimating process isinstructed (step S211). If the termination of the sample throughputestimating process is not instructed (NO in step S211), the CPU 401returns the process to step S209. If the instruction to terminate thesample throughput estimating process is received in step S211 (YES instep S211), the CPU 401 terminates the process.

The results of the measurement simulation process described above willbe described. FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the sample measurementschedule when only the measurement item PT is contained in themeasurement order, and FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the samplemeasurement schedule when the measurement items PT and APTT arecontained in the measurement order. In the example shown in FIG. 15, theschedule is created such that the sample dispensing operation of thesecond sample dispensing unit 22 in the secondary dispensing of thesample (shown with Δ mark in the figure) is executed in all turns afterthe third turn, and the dispensing operation of the trigger reagent inwarming the sample (shown with ⊚ mark in the figure) is executed in allturns after the seventh turn. In the example shown in FIG. 15, a blankturn in which the sample dispensing operation in the secondarydispensing and the dispensing operation of the trigger reagent inwarming the sample are not executed does not form, and hence the numberof total turns becomes a minimum. The throughput estimated in this caseis maximum throughput (400 tests/hour) by the sample analyzer 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, on the other hand, the protocol differsdepending on the measurement item such as four turns are necessary forthe warming of the PT, five turns are necessary for the warming of theAPTT, and the like. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 15, a turnin which the same mechanism portion is used in two or more operationsproduces if the schedule is created such that the same samplemeasurement operation is repeatedly executed for every one turn. Forinstance, the schedule of the PT of the sample with the sample ID “8818”in FIG. 16 is started two turns later than the schedule of the APTT ofthe sample with the sample ID “8817”. This is because, if the scheduleof the PT of the sample with the sample ID “8818” is started one turnlater than the schedule of the APTT of the sample with the sample ID“8817”, the dispensing operation of the trigger reagent is assignedoverlapped in the same turn, and hence the schedule of the PT of thesample with the sample ID “8818” is delayed one more turn. Therefore,the throughput estimated in the example shown in FIG. 16 becomes a value(275 tests/hour) lower than the example shown in FIG. 15. In the timingchart of the schedule shown in FIG. 16, the blank turn in which delayoccurred is color displayed from other turns to be specifiable in thedisplay region of the turn number of the uppermost level. As the timingchart is displayed in the measurement simulation screen D3, the user caneasily specify whether or not the blank turn produced and which turn isthe blank turn if produced. Furthermore, as the detailed schedule of thesample measurement operation is shown in the timing chart, the user caneasily check for what reasons the blank turn produced by checking thetiming chart.

The difference in the simulation result due to the difference in themeasurement order of the sample will now be described. FIG. 17 is atiming chart showing the sample measurement schedule when measuring foursamples, in which the measurement items PT and APTT are instructed,first and then measuring six samples, in which only the measurement itemPT is instructed, afterwards, and FIG. 18 is a timing chart shown in thesample measurement schedule when the measurement order of the samples ischanged. In the example of FIG. 17, the schedule is adjusted to preventthe turn in which the same mechanism portion is used in two or moreoperations, and as a result, the throughput lowers, similar to theexample shown in FIG. 16. Specifically, delay occurs by one turn in eachschedule of the PT of the sample with the sample ID “8768”, “8769”“8770”, and “8771”, and as a result, a loss of four turns produces inthe entire schedule. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 17 the estimatedvalue of the throughput becomes 311 tests/hour.

In the measurement order of the example shown in FIG. 17, the result ofwhen the order shuffle simulation is executed is shown in FIG. 18. Inthe example shown in FIG. 18, the number of times the measurement of PTis carried out after the measurement of APTT is three times, which isone less than the example shown in FIG. 17. As a result, the loss of theturn is one less. Therefore, the estimated value of the throughputbecomes 329 tests/hour in the example of FIG. 18, and an estimated valuedifferent from the example of FIG. 17 is obtained.

In the sample analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, theaccurate throughput of the sample analyzer 1 can be estimated in view ofthe interference of the mechanism portion as in the actual measurementoperation of the sample analyzer 1.

Even if the measurement order is simply input when the measurement orderof the same measurement item is continuously input as in the exampleshown in FIG. 17, the measurement order of the measurement order can bechanged by the order shuffle simulation, so that the simulation resultclose to the actual measurement operation in which the sample ismeasured in a random order can be obtained.

Second Embodiment

[Configuration of Sample Analyzer]

The configuration of a sample analyzer according to a second embodimentis similar to the configuration of the sample analyzer according to thefirst embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are denoted forthe same configuring elements, and the description thereof will beomitted.

[Operation of Sample Analyzer]

The operation of the sample analyzer 1 according to the presentembodiment will be described below. The analyzing procedure of thesample is similar to the sample analyzer of the first embodiment, andthus the description thereof will be omitted.

<Throughput Estimating Operation>

The sample analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment can execute thethroughput estimating operation of estimating the throughput of thesample analyzer 1. The throughput estimating operation is realized byhaving the CPU 401 of the information processing device 3 execute thesample throughput estimating process to be described below.

The menu screen of the sample analyzer 1 according to the presentembodiment is similar to the menu screen (see FIG. 5) described in thefirst embodiment. The display screen of the information processingdevice 3 according to the present embodiment all commonly includes thetool bar A1 and the work region A2, similar to the first embodiment,where the display content of the work region A2 differs by the displayscreen. The tool bar A1 includes buttons for calling out functions usedfrequently such as a start button B1 for instructing the start of samplemeasurement and a pause button B2 for pausing the sample measurement.

In order to cause the sample analyzer 1 according to the secondembodiment to execute the throughput estimating operation, the serviceman needs to log into the sample analyzer 1 and select the icon SS (seeFIG. 5) displayed in the menu screen D1, similar to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sample throughputestimating process of the sample analyzer according to the secondembodiment. The CPU 401 receives the execution instruction of the samplethroughput estimating process from the user with the menu screen D1displayed. When the user operates the input unit 408 and selects theicon SS to instruct the information processing device 3 to execute thesample throughput estimating process, the CPU 401 starts the samplethroughput estimating process and displays the measurement simulationscreen on the display unit 409 (step S401).

FIG. 20 is a view showing one example of a measurement simulationscreen. In FIG. 20, the measurement simulation screen in a state themeasurement simulation is not executed is shown. The work region A2 ofthe measurement simulation screen D4 includes a schedule table displayregion A31 for displaying the schedule of the sample measurement createdby the measurement simulation in a timing chart form. At the lower sideof the schedule table display region A31, a cuvette information displayregion A32 for displaying the usage status of the warming table 16 andthe detection unit 40 obtained by the measurement simulation, and aschedule result display region A33 for displaying throughput informationA330 including a total processing time A331 obtained by the measurementsimulation and an average number of processing tests A332 per unit timeare arranged. Nothing is displayed in the schedule table display regionA31, the cuvette information display region A32, and the schedule resultdisplay region A33 before the measurement simulation is executed.

The buttons B41 to 43 and B35 to B38, which are selection graphical userinterface objects, are arranged on the lower side of the cuvetteinformation display region A32 and the schedule result display regionA33 of the work region A2.

The information processing device 3 according to the present embodimentis configured so that the file of the measurement order in CSV formatcan be input. The button B41 is a button for reading the measurementorder file of the CSV format. When the button B41 is selected, adialogue (not shown) for specifying the measurement order file to beinput is displayed on the display unit 409. In this dialogue, the folderin which the measurement order file is stored and the measurement orderfile to be read can be specified.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing one example of the content of ameasurement order file. The measurement order file MOF is a file of CSVformat and thus one measurement order is described in one row. Themeasurement order file includes a column C401 of the sample ID, a columnC402 of the arriving time of the sample, and columns C403, C404, C405,C406, C407, C408 . . . of the measurement items. Here, the “arrivingtime” refers to the time the sample is set in the pre-analysis rackholding region of the sample analyzer 1. The sample may go throughvarious steps before the sample is analyzed by the sample analyzer 1.For instance, since the sample to be inspected by the sample analyzer 1is blood plasma, the blood plasma needs to be extracted from the wholeblood by a centrifuge separator. Normally, a plurality of samples iscollectively processed by the centrifuge separator, and hence theplurality of samples which are completed with the process by thecentrifuge separator are set in the pre-analysis rack holding region ofthe sample analyzer 1 all at once. Furthermore, the sample is sometimesprovided to other sample tests such as biochemical test, immune test,blood cell counting test and the like before the blood coagulation testby the sample analyzer 1. In such a case, each sample is transported tothe sample analyzer 1 after other sample test is terminated, and eachsample separately arrives at the sample analyzer or collectively arrivesat the sample analyzer all together. Therefore, the process performed onthe sample before the blood coagulation test differs depending on thefacility, and the timing at which the sample arrives at the sampleanalyzer 1 also varies by facilities. The arriving time can be specifiedfor every sample in the measurement order file MOF. The user creates themeasurement order file MOF in which the arriving time of each samplecorresponding to the facility of the user is specified. In the exampleof FIG. 21, the arriving time is specified such that each sample havingthe sample ID “Test1” to “Test10” arrives every one minute from 9:00,each sample “Test11” to “Test25” arrives all together at 10:00, eachsample “Test26” to “Test29” arrives all together at 11:00, and thesample “Test30” arrives at 12:00.

As shown in FIG. 21, the measurement item of the sample is specified byinserting “*” to the corresponding cell. In the example of FIG. 21, “PT”and “APTT” are specified for the measurement item of the sample havingthe sample ID “Test1”, and “PT” is specified for the measurement item ofthe sample having the sample ID “Test5”.

The user specifies the above described measurement order file in thedialogue. The specified measurement order file thus can be read out bythe information processing device 3.

The button B42 is a button for saving (outputting) the result of themeasurement simulation displayed. When the button B42 is selected, themeasurement simulation result saving dialogue (not shown) is displayed,so that the user can specify the folder of the output destination, thefile name, and the file format (CSV or binary) in the relevant dialogue.When the output of the measurement simulation result is instructed inthe measurement simulation result saving dialogue, the measurementsimulation result file including the information of each sample, thesample ID, the measurement mode, the measurement item, the arriving timeof each sample, the result acquiring time (measurement complete time),time (waiting time) from the arrival of the sample to the acquisition ofthe result, the average number of processing tests per unit time, andthe total processing time is output. The button B43 is a button forreading an output file of binary form indicating the results of the pastmeasurement simulation, and redisplaying the results of the measurementsimulation.

The buttons B35 to B38 are similar to the buttons B35 to B38 describedin the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment described above, the file of the measurementorder can be input from the measurement simulation screen describedabove. The CPU 401 receives the specification of the measurement orderfile in the above manner (step S402). When receiving the specificationof the measurement order file, the CPU 401 reads out the specifiedmeasurement order file (step S403). The CPU 401 sorts the readmeasurement order in the arriving time order (step S404). In thisprocess, if the measurement order in which the arriving time is notspecified exists, such measurement order is handled as arriving at theearliest arriving time. After the process of step S404 is completed, theCPU 401 registers the input measurement order in the measurement orderdatabase of the hard disc 404 (step S405).

The user then selects the button B35 of the measurement simulationscreen D4 when desiring to know the throughput of the sample analyzer 1for the registered measurement order as described above. The CPU 401determines whether or not the selection of the button B35 is received,that is, whether or not the instruction to start the measurementsimulation by the registered measurement order is received (step S406).The CPU 401 executes the measurement simulation process (step S407) whenreceiving the instruction to start the measurement simulation (YES instep S406). If the instruction to start the measurement simulation isgiven in step S406, the measurement simulation is executed assuming thesample arrived at the arriving time of each measurement order. The CPU401 proceeds the process to step S409 on the other hand when notreceiving the instruction to start the measurement simulation in stepS406 (NO in step S406).

The measurement simulation process according to the present embodimentwill now be described in detail. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing aprocedure of the measurement simulation process according to the presentembodiment. In the measurement simulation process, the CPU 401 firstselects “1” for the initial value of the turn number (step S501) andselects the sample having the measurement order of 1 in the registeredmeasurement order (step S502).

The CPU 401 then specifies the measurement item to which measurement isinstructed for the selected sample, and reads out the protocolinformation for such measurement item from the hard disc 404 (stepS503). The CPU 401 then determines whether or not the turn numberselected at this time point is after the arriving time of the samplespecified in the input measurement order file (step S504). In thisprocess, the time of turn number “1” or the first turn is the earliesttime of the arriving times of the samples specified in the measurementorder file. That is, if the turn number “1” is selected, determinationis always made as coinciding with the arriving time of the selectedsample (sample having measurement order of 1). If the selected turnnumber is “5”, and the time corresponding to such turn is “9:10”,determination is made that the relevant turn is not after the arrivingtime in step S504 if the sample which arriving time is “9:11” isselected. If the sample which arriving time is “9:11” is selected andthe time corresponding to the selected turn number of “6” is “9:11”,determination is made that the relevant turn is after the arriving time.Furthermore, if the time corresponding to the selected turn number islater than the arriving time, for instance, if the arriving time is“9:11” and the time corresponding to the selected turn number is “9:20”,determination is made that the relevant turn is after the arriving time.

If determined that the selected turn is not after the arriving time instep S504 (NO in step S504), the CPU 401 increments the turn number byone (step S505) and returns the process to step S504.

If determined that the selected turn is after the arriving time in stepS504 (YES in step S504), the CPU 401 references the schedule for thesample that is already confirmed, and determines whether or not the samemechanism portion is used in two or more operations in the same turn inthe relevant schedule and another confirmed schedule (step S506). Ifdetermined that the same mechanism portion is used in two or moreoperations in the same turn in step S506 (NO in step S506), the CPU 401increments the turn number by 1 (step S505), and returns the process tostep S504.

If determined that the same mechanism portion is not used in two or moreoperations in the selected turn in step S506 (YES in step S506), the CPU401 confirms the schedule of the sample so as to start from the selectedturn (step S507), and calculates the measurement complete time (timecorresponding to last turn of schedule) and the waiting time (time fromarriving time until measurement complete time) of the sample (stepS508). The CPU 401 then determines whether or not the selected sample isthe last sample in the measurement order (step S509), and selects thesample of next measurement order (step S510) if not the last sample (NOin step S509) and returns the process to step S503.

If the last sample in the measurement order is selected in step S509(YES in step S509), the CPU 401 proceeds the process to step S511. Theprocesses of steps S511 to S515 are similar to the processes of stepsS306 to S310 described in the first embodiment, and thus the descriptionthereof will be omitted. After the process of step S515 is completed,the CPU 401 returns the process to the callout address of themeasurement simulation process in the sample throughput estimatingprocess.

The CPU 401 displays the result of the measurement simulation on thedisplay unit 409 (step S408). FIG. 23 is a view showing another exampleof the measurement simulation screen. In FIG. 23, the measurementsimulation screen in a state the measurement simulation is executed isshown. As shown in the figure, the timing chart of the created samplemeasurement schedule is displayed in the schedule table display regionA31 after the measurement simulation is executed. The throughputinformation A330 including the total processing time A331 and theaverage number of processing tests A332 per unit time is displayed inthe schedule result display region A33. The log of the schedule creationin the measurement simulation process is displayed at the lower side ofthe throughput information A330. In the timing chart of the scheduletable display region A31, the arriving time T1 of the sample, themeasurement complete time T2, and the waiting time T3 are displayed incorrespondence with the schedule of each sample. The user thus can checkthe arriving time T1 of each sample and determine the validity of thearriving time T1 on the measurement simulation screen. For instance, ifthe arriving time used in the measurement simulation does not correspondto the actual operation of the relevant facility, the user can againcreate the measurement order file in which the arriving time iscorrected, and redo the measurement simulation based thereon.Furthermore, in the screen, the font color of the waiting time T3 ischanged for display according to the length of the waiting time T3.Specifically, T3 is displayed in a black font color if T3<15 minutes, T3is displayed in yellow font color if 15 minutes≦T3<30 minutes, anddisplayed in red font color if 30 minutes≧T3. The sample with longwaiting time then can be easily found. All the samples displayed in FIG.23 have the waiting time T3 of less than 15 minutes, and thus are alldisplayed in black font color. Furthermore, since the measurementcomplete time T2 and the waiting time T3 are displayed in themeasurement simulation result, the user can check when each samplecompletes the measurement or how much time is required from the start tothe completion of the measurement of each sample. For instance, whenconsidering newly introducing the sample analyzer to the facility,whether such sample analyzer is usable in the relevant facility can beaccurately evaluated if what extent of time the measurement is completedand how much time is required from the start to the completion of themeasurement at the arriving time of the sample actually operated in thefacility are known. Therefore, according to the throughput estimatingfunction of the sample analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment,the information on the measurement completion time and the waiting timeof each sample useful when considering the introduction of the sampleanalyzer can be provided to the user.

In step S409, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the initializationof the display of the measurement simulation screen is instructed (stepS409). If the initialization of the display of the measurementsimulation screen is instructed (YES in step S409), the CPU 401initializes the display of the measurement simulation screen (stepS410), and returns the process to step S402.

If the initialization of the display of the measurement simulationscreen is not instructed in step S409 (NO in step S409), the CPU 401determines whether or not the termination of the sample throughputestimating process is instructed (step S411). If the termination of thesample throughput estimating process is not instructed (NO in stepS411), the CPU 401 returns the process to step S409. If the instructionto terminate the sample throughput estimating process is received instep S411 (YES in step S411), the CPU 401 terminates the process.

Therefore, in the sample analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment,the measurement simulation can be carried out while specifying thearriving time of the sample adapted to the operation of the facility,and thus an accurate simulation result when the sample analyzer 1 isactually introduced to the facility can be obtained. Therefore, whenconsidering to newly introduce the sample analyzer to the facility, theaccurate simulation when the sample analyzer is introduced to therelevant facility can be carried out and the user can use the simulationresult as assistance information for determining on the introduction ofthe sample analyzer.

Other Embodiments

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which thethroughput estimating process is executed by the information processingdevice 3 of the sample analyzer 1 has been described, but this is notthe sole case. The throughput estimating process may be executed by athroughput information generating device configured separate from thesample analyzer. The information throughput estimating process may beexecuted by the server device configured by a computer, the processingresult may be transmitted from the server device to the client deviceconnected to the server device through the network, and the clientdevice may display the processing result. A dispersed system in whichthe functions of the information processing device 3 are carried out ina dispersed manner in a plurality of computers may be adopted.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration of outputting thetotal processing time and the average number of tests processed per onehour as information indicating the throughput has been described, butthis is not the sole case. The total processing time and the totalnumber of secondary dispensing may be output for the informationindicating the throughput.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration of calculatingthe average number of processing tests per unit time with an equationhas been described, but this is not the sole case. A lookup tableshowing the relationship of the total number of secondary dispensing inthe created sample measurement schedule, that is, the number of opticalmeasurements (number of samples divided by secondary dispensing) by thedetection unit 40 and the total processing time, and the value of thecorresponding throughput may be stored in the hard disc 404, and theaverage number of processing tests per unit time may be acquired byreferencing the lookup table when the total number of secondarydispensing and the total processing time are obtained, and then output.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which thesample analyzer 1 is the blood coagulation measurement apparatus, andthe throughput of the sample analyzer 1 or the blood coagulationmeasurement apparatus is estimated by the information processing device3 has been described, but this is not the sole case. The sample analyzermay be a sample analyzer other than the blood coagulation measurementapparatus such as a blood cell counting apparatus, an immune analyzer, aurine formed element analyzer or a urine qualitative analyzer, and thethroughput of such sample analyzer may be estimated by the informationprocessing apparatus 3, or the throughput of the sample analyzer (e.g.,blood cell counting apparatus when sample analyzer 1 is bloodcoagulation measurement apparatus) of a type different from the sampleanalyzer may be estimated by the information processing device 3 of thesample analyzer 1. In this case, the type of sample analyzer of a targetfor estimating the throughput can be selected by the user, and thethroughput of the sample analyzer selected by the user can be estimatedby the information processing device.

In the first and second embodiment, an example of inputting onemeasurement order with respect to one sample has been described, butthis is not the sole case. The measurement order may be input for everymeasurement item. In this case, a plurality of measurement orders isinput with respect to one sample.

In the first and second embodiments, information of the protocol of thesample measurement is stored for every measurement item in the hard disc404. The protocol information stored in the hard disc 404 may be changedby the user as a variant. For instance, the warming time and the lightmeasurement time may be arbitrarily changed. The throughputcorresponding to the state for every facility thus can be calculatedeven if the measurement protocol differs for every facility by enablingthe protocol information to be changeable.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the CPU401 of the information processing device 3 calculates the totalprocessing time of the sample analyzer by the equation has beendescribed, but this is not the sole case. A lookup table storing thevalue of the total processing time corresponding to each combination ofthe initial dispensing turn number and the last dispensing turn numbermay be provided in the hard disc 404, and the CPU 401 may reference thelookup table to read out the total processing time corresponding to theacquired initial dispensing turn number and the last dispensing turnnumber to generate information indicating the total processing time.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the CPU401 of the information processing device 3 calculates the throughput ofthe sample analyzer by the equation has been described above, but thisis not the sole case. A lookup table storing the value of the throughputcorresponding to each combination of the total processing time and thetotal number of secondary dispensing may be stored in the hard disc 404,and the CPU 401 may reference the lookup table to read out thethroughput corresponding to the acquired total processing time and totalnumber of secondary dispensing and generate the information indicatingthe throughput.

In the second embodiment, the configuration of displaying each of thearriving time, the measurement complete time, and the waiting time inthe measurement simulation screen has been described, but this is notthe sole case. The arriving time may be displayed and the measurementcomplete time and the waiting time may not be displayed, or themeasurement complete time and the waiting time may be displayed and thearriving time may not be displayed. The arriving time and themeasurement complete time may be displayed and the waiting time may notbe displayed, or the arriving time and the waiting time may be displayedand the measurement complete time may not be displayed. Only themeasurement complete time may be displayed, or only the waiting time maybe displayed.

In the second embodiment, the measurement order file in which thearriving time of each sample is specified may be input to the sampleanalyzer, and the measurement simulation may be executed based on themeasurement order specified in the measurement order file has beendescribed, but this is not the sole case. For instance, the arrivingtime of each sample can be input in the measurement order registrationscreen in the first embodiment, and the measurement simulation may beexecuted based on the arriving time and the measurement order specifiedin the measurement order registration screen.

In the second embodiment, the time at which the sample is set in thepre-analysis rack holding region of the sample analyzer 1 has beendescribed as the “arriving time” by way of example, but this is not thesole case. For instance, the sample analyzer 1 takes a form of beingconnected to a stock yard in which the sample rack is set and atransport device for transporting the sample from the stock yard to thepre-analysis rack holding region, where the arriving time may be a timeat which the sample is set in the stock yard. In this case, the scheduleincluding the time required for the transportation of the sample fromthe stock yard to the pre-analysis rack holding region may be created.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sample analyzer, comprising: a measurementdevice that measures a plurality of samples on a plurality ofmeasurement items and comprises a measurement unit, a detection unit,and a transport unit, wherein the measurement device performsmeasurements of the measurement items of the samples at differenttimings; an output device operable to display a menu screen of thesample analyzer; a controller including a processor and a memory undercontrol of the processor, the processor programmed to carry outinstructions comprising: receiving an input of a plurality ofmeasurement orders, wherein a measurement order includes a designationof at least one measurement item and storing the input as an measurementorder file; prompting to enter an instruction that executes a samplethroughput estimation process; generating a sample measurement schedulethat assigns, for each turn, operations of the measurement device withrespect to each measurement item of each sample; wherein according tothe sample measurement schedule, the operations of the measurementdevice are simultaneously executed in parallel to the extent that eachmechanism portion of the measurement device is not used in twooperations that take place during an identical turn; upon receipt of theinstruction, reading out the measurement order file, sorting themeasurement orders in an arriving time order specified in themeasurement order file and registering the measurement orders in adatabase; executing a measurement simulation of the registeredmeasurement orders by: selecting a turn number and a sample having ameasurement order number corresponding to the selected turn number;determining whether or not the selected turn number coincides with thearriving time of the sample specified in the measurement order file;upon determination that the selected turn number coincides with thearriving time, verifying the sample measurement schedule of the sample;and upon determination of a last measurement order of the sample,calculating a total processing time and throughput information based onthe sample measurement schedule; and outputting a measurement simulationscreen on the output device, the measurement simulation screendisplaying a timing chart that graphically depicts the samplemeasurement schedule, the total processing time and the throughputinformation.
 2. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein thearriving time specifies a time at which each sample arrives at thesample analyzer.
 3. The sample analyzer according to claim 2, whereinthe measurement simulation screen further displays a time required fromwhen the sample arrives at the sample analyzer until the measurement iscompleted.
 4. The sample analyzer according to claim 2, wherein thetotal processing time specifies a time point where a measurement iscompleted for each sample.
 5. The sample analyzer according to claim 2,wherein the controller is further programmed to display the receivedarriving time for each sample on the measurement simulation screen.
 6. Amethod of measuring a sample on a plurality of measurement items with asample analyzer comprising a measurement device, in which measurementtime differs from each other; the method comprising the steps of:receiving an input of a plurality of measurement orders, wherein ameasurement order includes a designation of at least one measurementitem and storing the input as an measurement order file; prompting toenter an instruction that executes a sample throughput estimationprocess; generating a sample measurement schedule that assigns, for eachturn, operations of a measurement device with respect to eachmeasurement item of each sample, wherein according to the samplemeasurement schedule, the operations of the measurement device aresimultaneously executed in parallel to the extent that each mechanismportion of the measurement device is not used in two operations thattake place during an identical turn; upon receipt of the instruction,reading out the measurement order file, sorting the measurement ordersin an arriving time order specified in the measurement order file andregistering the measurement orders in a database; executing ameasurement simulation of the registered measurement orders by:selecting a turn number and a sample having a measurement order numbercorresponding to the selected turn number; determining whether or notthe selected turn number coincides with the arriving time of the samplespecified in the measurement order file; upon determination that theselected turn number coincides with the arriving time, verifying thesample measurement schedule of the sample; and upon determination of alast measurement order, calculating a total processing time andthroughput information of the sample analyzer based on the samplemeasurement schedule; and outputting a measurement simulation screenthat displays a timing chart that graphically depicts the samplemeasurement schedule, the total processing time and the throughputinformation.